Paula Abdul, the Grammy and Emmy award-winning singer and dancer, has settled her sexual assault lawsuit against British television producer Nigel Lythgoe. The lawsuit, filed at the end of 2023, accused Mr. Lythgoe of twice sexually assaulting Ms. Abdul during their time working together, first on the talent show American Idol and later on So You Think You Can Dance.
Ms. Abdul expressed relief at the conclusion of the legal battle, stating, "I am gratefulthat this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me. This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle. I hope my experience can serve to inspire other women, facing similar struggles, to overcome their own challenges with dignity and respect, so they too can turn the page and begin a new chapter of their lives." Her attorney, Melissa Eubanks, did not disclose the terms of the settlement.
Mr. Lythgoe, who has consistently denied the allegations, responded with his own statement: "We live in a troubling time where a person is now automatically assumed to be guilty until proven innocent, a processthat can take years. That is why, like Paula, I am glad to be able to put this behind me. I know the truth andthat gives me great comfort." He previously condemned the allegations as "an appalling smear."
According to court documents, Ms. Abdul alleged two incidents of sexual assault during their professional relationship. The first incident occurred when they were working on the long-running hit TV program American Idol, where she served as a judge for the show’s first eight seasons. Abdul claimed Mr. Lythgoe forcibly kissed her in a hotel elevator and grabbed her genitals.
The second alleged incident took place around 2015 during dinner at Mr. Lythgoe's Los Angeles home, during which he allegedly assaulted her on the couch. Abdul claimed this occurred after she received what she thought was a professional dinner invitation. She described how Mr. Lythgoe attempted to kiss her, proclaiming they could make an excellent "power couple" before she firmly rejected him and left the situation.
The case had been set to go to trial next year but was settled earlier this week, with notice filed with LA County Superior Court. Ms. Abdul had previously also reached settlements with the production companies behind American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance earlier this year.
Further complicuing the matter, after Abdul's initial lawsuit, four other women came forward with allegations against Mr. Lythgoe, making their own claims largely remaining unnamed. Lythgoe faced multiple lawsuits alleging sexual assault by women who had also appeared on reality television shows, raising broader questions about the culture of the entertainment industry and the handling of such allegations.
Mr. Lythgoe's legal team rebuffed the claims by pointing to friendly text messages exchanged between him and Ms. Abdul, arguing they contradict her accusations. "It is unthinkablethat Abdul would even tolerate Lythgoe's physical proximity, let alone send him adoring messages and sexually provocative jokes, if her allegations were true," his court filings stated.
Responding to these suggested defenses, Ms. Abdul's legal representatives deemed them as examples of "classic victim shaming," emphasizing the power dynamics at play during their professional relationship, noting how Lythgoe's status as producer significantly impacted Ms. Abdul's actions and responses.
Discussions around this trial reflect not only on the individuals involved but also on the larger societal issues surrounding sexual misconduct and accountability, particularly within high-profile industries. Abdul's determination throughout her legal battle has become emblematic of the challenges many women continue to face when confronting such serious allegations.
Reflecting on the outcome, Ms. Abdul reiterated her sentiments: "This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle," emphasizing the importance of finding closure and allowing others to reclaim their narratives. Meanwhile, Lythgoe has repeatedly claimed innocence and expressed hope for future vindication, adamantly maintaining, "To say I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement." He stated he considers the settled lawsuits only the beginning of what he hopes will clear his name.
With both parties now expressing relief at being able to move forward, the settlement appears to mark the end of this high-profile legal drama, though discussions about its effects ripple throughout the entertainment industry and beyond.
